Tag: unit

Posted on

The Detroit Lions are trying to fix they’re takeaways

Embed from Getty Images Last season the Detroit Lions finished second in takeaways. One small problem. The Detroit Lions were second to last in the all important category. During the team first OTA’s and first mini-camp the Lions defense got back to basics. To fundamentally improve in the area of taking the ball away from offenses.

Detroit defensive coaches are putting the unit through new drills. More difficult drills in order to get them to change they’re thinking. A turnover is every bit as important as a tackle or quarterback sack.

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni, is looking to bolster the defenses confidence. The long-time coordinator understands that from season to season confidence does not carry over. New things come up. New offensive systems are always out there. So to combat that, Pasqualoni is starting all over again.

The odd thing about last season is Detroit had a top 5 defense even with the lack of forced turnovers. So, if the Lions can take the ball away more then the team will be looking to climb the defensive rankings even higher.

There is no secret formula to taking the ball away. The team just needs better awareness. There are times Detroit defensive backs simply did not turn in time to see the ball. That could be in part due to the fact that head coach Matt Patricia had switched the defense to his system and players were still trying to grasp it.

If the Detroit Lions defensive players can figure out what hampered the team last season, more wins will come. The Lions offense is reloaded for the 2019 season and figures to be in better position with a ball controlled offense. If the defense continues to struggle to take the ball away then the results could very well mirror last season.

So to review. The Detroit Lions defense needs to force more turnovers. This will give the defense a longer rest and it will give the Lions offense a chance to put points on the board. The Lions simply must improve in this area for the betterment of the team.

Posted on

Detroit Lions: 2018 season preview

Embed from Getty Images As the 2018 Detroit Lions, training  camp is set to go full speed this coming week. Today I give and honest look at what the 2018-19 season will look like in Motown.

Running backs, dead last for 3 seasons in a row in rushing, the Detroit Lions set out to improve this unit. The additions of  LeGarrette Blount  and Kerryon Johnson should help the ground game gain traction.

Offensive line, This is a very solid group. Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn did a masterful job upgrading this unit. A full season from left tackle Taylor Decker will help open running lanes for the running backs. Newly drafted center Frank Ragnow  sets the Detroit offensive line as one of the top 3 in the NFL.

Quarterbacks, Matthew Stafford lead the NFL in dropped interceptions last season. He must make better choices in the pocket. Otherwise, expect Stafford to play at an all star level.

Receiving crops, The stand out unit of the offense. Golden Tate takes care of the short routs. While Marvin Jones is the deep threat. Throw in second year Kenny Galloday and Detroit wide outs are a nightmare for defenses.

Defensive Line, they simply must, need, have too get pressure of opposing quarterbacks. The lack of a pass rush crippled the Lions last season.  Detroit Lions, fans hope new head coach Matt Patricia can use his defensive mind and improve a woeful pass rush.

Linebackers, second year middle linebacker Jarrad Davis had an up and down rookie season. He comes in with a lot of upside. He finished last season strong and will be heavily counted on. Bob Quinn, signed two free agents to help upgrade the corps. Devon Kennard and  Jalen Reeves-Maybin round out what is still the weak spot on the team.

Secondary, not much can be added to all everything conerback Darius Slay, Who is one of the best in the league. This is the strongest units on the team. Not too mention the Detroit Lions secondary was ranked #1 last season. Hard to see a drop off barring injury.

Having finished 9-7 the past two seasons lead to Jim Caldwell being replaced by Matt Patricia. Patricia, enters his first season as a head coach. With a brutal schedule it is hard to see the 2018-19 Detroit Lions finish better than 6-10.

Sometimes, with a new coach teams must take a step back to go forward. I believe this is one of those times.